Not working hard but replacing that work with something else rewarding can be its own payment. Being a ski or surf bum can be amazing and open up opportunities through networking.

If you get into a job at the right level due to educational or social advantage, you can get by working a lot less hard doing the same thing than someone who comes in as an intermediately-skilled contractor.

Working smart, taking risks (eg selling something illegal), and grifting are well-trodden paths that pay off despite reduced day to day effort.